If you’re planning to install fiber cement siding on your home, it’s important to choose the right coil nails to properly secure the siding panels. The two most common sizes for fiber cement siding are 25mm coil nails and 65mm coil nails. 25mm coil nails, or 1 inch nails, are typically used for thinner fiber cement panels like HardiePlank lap siding. 65mm coil nails, or 2.5 inch nails, provide better holding power for thicker panels and in high-wind areas. When shopping for stainless coil siding nails for your fiber cement siding project, look for hot-dipped galvanized nails that are specifically rated and warranted for use with fiber cement material. Hot-dipped galvanized nails provide superior rust prevention compared to electro-galvanized nails. The nails should also have a wide, flat head to properly seat into the siding. Coil Nail Coil Nailer Or Siding Nailer – The Best Tool For Driving The Nails For most fiber cement siding installations, a coil nailer or siding nailer is the best tool for driving the nails. These tools are as designed specifically for high-volume nailing of siding and other exterior materials. Look for a nailer that can handle the size of nails you need for your particular siding panels. Introduce About Coil Nails Coil nails come in coils of varying lengths, from 1 inch up to 3 inches or more. For fiber cement siding, 1 inch to 2.5 inches are the most common sizes. Longer nails, 3 inches and above, may be needed for thicker panels or to provide extra holding power. Coil nail coils typically contain either wire or plastic collated nails. Plastic collated nails tend to be easier to work with and minimize jamming in the nailer. Wire collated coils are more economical but can tangle more easily. In addition to size, pay attention to the nail diameter or gauge. Thicker nails provide more holding power but may be more difficult to drive. For fiber cement siding, a diameter between 0.113 inches (11 gauge) to 0.131 inches (9 gauge) is typical. Coil nails require a siding nailer or coil nailer to drive efficiently. These nailers are designed to handle coils of nails and drive them into siding and other exterior surfaces. Look for a nailer that matches your desired nail size and has features like selective actuation, variable depth adjustment, and jam release mechanism. The Siding Manufacturer’s Recommendations For Quality Coil Nail For the best protection against rust, choose coil nails that are rated as hot-dipped galvanized according to ASTM A153. Hot-dipped galvanized nails have a layer of zinc coating that provides superior rust resistance compared to electro-galvanized nails. Follow the siding manufacturer’s recommendations for nail placement and nailing schedules. Typically nail placement is every 6 to 12 inches along the edge of the siding panel and into the studs. Closer nail spacing may be required for high wind areas. Over-driving nails can damage the siding. Adjust your nailer to the proper depth and do test drives to ensure the nails are securing the siding without over-driving.